Will Instagram Be Blocked in China?

Most of you have probably heard the news: Social network giant Facebook has gone and purchased everyone’s favorite shoot-from-the-hip photo app, Instagram. (For a whopping 1 billion US dollars, no less.) But the big question on people’s minds here in Beijing: Will Instagram be blocked? Say it ain’t so!

If you were one of the 1,300 people in Beijing who posted something on Instagram today, you’ll know it as one of the fun ways to stay engaged with people all over the city. And since it has capabilities to post on Weibo, there’s yet another avenue to share your experiences, whether it’s a walk down a particularly charming hutong lane, some great food, a rare blue-sky day or the not-so-rare odd occurrence on the subway.

So, will Instagram's absorption into the Facebook machine mean the government will look into blocking the photo-sharing app as well? Or will Facebook’s plan to let the app and its functions remain independent keep it safe? Either way, better shoot and post while you still can ...

In the meantime, iPhone or Android users can keep up with our shenanigans by following us on Instagram. Our account name: the_beijinger.

Photos (from top to bottom): Instagram users iainxiao, beijingbean, beijingdou and nathanklblair